Perineural Dexamethasone Prolongs Analgesia After PENG Block in Elderly Hip Arthroplasty
Perineural dexamethasone effectively prolongs anaesthesic block duration in total hip arthroplasty, reduces opioid consumption, and does not compromise motor function, nerve integrity, or glycaemic control.
Int Orthop . 2025 Aug;49(8):1791-1799.Sixty six patients aged ≥65 years undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) were randomized to receive a pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block with 20 mL 0.2% ropivacaine (n=33) or the same PENG block plus 4 mg perineural dexamethasone (n=33). The primary outcome was time to first rescue opioid. Secondary outcomes included 48-h opioid consumption (morphine milliequivalents), NRS pain at 4/6/12/24 h, quadriceps strength, nerve injury, and blood glucose at 12/24/48 h. Outcomes were assessed through 48 h. Overall, the results revealed dexamethasone prolonged analgesia by ~7.5 h and reduced opioid use and pain scores without affecting strength, neurologic findings, or glucose. These findings suggest perineural dexamethasone is an effective, motor-sparing adjunct to extend PENG block analgesia in elderly THA.
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